As I approached the entrance to Amos’ this past Friday evening, all I could see was a sea of Black Label Society kuttes and shirts as Berzerkers were lined up for blocks waiting for the venue doors to open. It was an extremely hot and humid night but that didn’t stop the faithful eagerly anticipating the show as Zakk Wylde was in town. Charlotte was the latest stop on his current tour in support of his latest solo album “Book of Shadows II” and Zakk was kind enough to bring his BLS bandmates along for the ride.
The crowd was pumped for a great night of music. The blues-based rock and roll would begin with Jared James Nichols who got things off to a rocking start with a solid set including a very well done cover of Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.” Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown were up next shaking the stage with their southern tinged bluesy rock. Bryant is turning out to be quite the front man, working the crowd and amusing the audience with stories about growing up in Texas and how he got his start in the music business. But of course, the best was yet to come and soon the chants of “Zakk!, Zakk!” began in earnest. Perhaps it was the capacity crowd or the oppressive heat but it seemed like forever before the master himself appeared on stage with hat on head and guitar in hand. Zakk and band came out and absolutely stunned from the start opening up their set with an extended version of “Sold My Soul.” During the solo, Wylde played his guitar behind his head for several minutes and really set the tone forthe evening. The vibe was laid back as guitarist Dario Lorina was behind the piano for the first few tunes and bassist John DeServio stayed toward the back allowing Wylde to be the sole star of this show. The band was tight with drummer Jeff Fabb being a solid presence behind the kit as Zakk allowed the music to speak for itself. They played through a 15 song set drawing off both “Book of Shadows” and “Book of Shadows II.”
Although the show was more low key than a Black Label Society show, there was still plenty of mind blowing guitar work with Wylde going out into the audience on the venue floor for his solo. The music as a whole is what stood out at this show though. Zakk’s vocals were emotional and intense and the bond between him and the audience is one not usually seen. During”Lost Prayer” Wylde introduced his band mates and let Lorina take the spotlight in front of the stage showing just how accomplished a player he really is. In fact, in any other band Lorina would be a mean lead guitarist. Wylde also took a few moments to thank the fans for coming out and supporting both Black Label Society and his solo efforts. Zakk and company then closed out the evening with a tremendous and powerful”Sleeping Dogs.”
To see Zakk Wylde in an intimate club environment was a special treat indeed. The power of the music is a testament to not only his talent as a guitarist but his ability as a gifted songwriter as well. Wylde’s place in history as a guitar genius is already assured so don’t miss the chance to see a future legend when he makes a stop in your town.
Set List:
Sold My Soul (extended guitar solo)
Autumn Changes
Tears of December
Lay Me Down
Road Back Home
Yesterday’s Tears
Between Heaven and Hell
Darkest Hour
Guitar Solo
Throwin’ It All Away
Dead As Yesterday
Eyes of Burden
Way Beyond Empty
The King
Lost Prayer (Band Introductions)
Sleeping Dogs
We would like to thank Nichole Schrad from Mercenary Management for the credentials to review the show.
